Solution progress in field of study
The direction of the solution is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, proven to be a therapy that has a positive effect on the feeling of loneliness. The therapy supports the individuals to deal with loneliness and their alone time. Here you can read the related important points of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Overall, cognitive behavioral therapy is about focusing on the positive rather than the negative. This type of therapy helps the individual to redirect negative emotions by changing everyday thoughts and behaviors. The individual is encouraged to try new ways of acting, which can help them gradually undertake activities that they would otherwise have avoided. Cognitive behavioral therapy often uses techniques for relaxation and distraction, as well as getting the individual to write down thoughts and feelings. Writing down one's thoughts and feelings on a daily basis gives the opportunity to analyze when and how the irrational way of thinking, for example the belief in being socially unwanted by others, affects the individual.
The purpose is for the individual to be able to stop the negative thoughts about themselves and social situations, by finding evidence of whether this way of thinking is truthful or not.
EASE
They call this model EASE, it aims to create direction for a safe place where the individual gets the opportunity to feel safe in their own body and they can experiment with new experiences with themselves, to create positive feelings. This can increase their confidence and self-esteem and give them the opportunity to better enjoy time with themselves. Likewise, it can train them to stand stronger themselves and make them more ready to confront the world around them, as well as change their negative behavior and irrational thinking (Cacioppo JT & Patrick, 2008).
E for Extend Your self
The withdrawal and passivity associated with loneliness is motivated by feelings of fear and being threatened. In order for lonely individuals to change their behavior, they need a safe place where they feel safe to experiment with new experiences. It is necessary for the individual to start with small challenges and changes that provide small doses of positive emotions, in order not to lose motivation.
A for Action Plan
In this step, the lonely individual must realize that they are not just a passive victim, but that they have the control and ability to change their situation by changing their behavior, adjusting expectations and changing negative thinking patterns. The individual must make a realistic and not too difficult plan for the behavior they wish to change.
S for Selection
In the third step, the focus is on quality rather than quantity. Social relationships must be meaningful and satisfying for both parties, the same applies to activities. The challenge in this step is therefore to identify which relationships and activities are beneficial and contribute positively to the individual's development and to deselect those which are harmful and which contribute negatively
E for Expect the Best
In the fourth and final step, the individual must learn to expect the best from other people. Lonely people often have many negative thoughts about themselves and others in social contexts. The purpose here is for the individual to realize that to some extent they have the ability to control their thoughts and feelings.
If the individual expects positive interactions with others, the individual will also appear more positive and open.
Discover more projects here:
